For Cam and Auburn, what the NCAA didn’t say resonates
For SEC championship game purposes, the three biggest words in the NCAA’s statement on Cam Newton were these: “Is immediately eligible.” Over the longer term, three bigger words were tucked into this statement from the NCAA’s Kevin Lennon.
“Based on the information available to the reinstatement staff at this time, we do not have sufficient evidence that Cam Newton or anyone from Auburn was aware of this activity.”
The three massive words: “At this time.”
Just because Cam Newton has been cleared to play Saturday doesn’t mean he has been cleared forever. It doesn’t mean the NCAA can’t and won’t continue to investigate. (It can and surely will.) And if at any time it finds “sufficient evidence” that Newton himself or a representative of Auburn violated an NCAA regulation … well, we know what that means.
Forfeit city.
Folks on the outside have a tough time understanding how the NCAA works. (Folks on the inside do, too.) But the key revelation made Wednesday was that the NCAA had indeed found evidence a rule had been flouted — by Cecil Newton, Cam’s dad, and the scout Kenny Rogers in their solicitation of Mississippi State. This prompted Auburn to declare Newton ineligible and petition for reinstatement.
This is the procedure in every NCAA case. (Georgia’s A.J. Green had to be reinstated after the NCAA suspended him those four games.) That the NCAA acted so quickly, reinstating Newton a day after Auburn ruled him ineligible, was surely due to logistics: Auburn has a game Saturday.
Yes, it’s a big game. And yes, it was awfully convenient that Auburn rendered Newton ineligible on Tuesday, Nov. 30, as opposed, say, to Friday, Nov. 26. (Gee, that was the date of the Iron Bowl!) So far, you’d have to say Auburn has found its version of Ed Tolley, the Athens attorney who has steered Georgia through tempest after tempest the past quarter-century. But that’s OK: If you were a school under scrutiny and your football team was about to play for an SEC championship and then maybe the BCS title, you’d have to be awfully dumb not to hire a smart lawyer.
Newton being rendered ineligible for one day might seem silly, but it served an essential purpose: It forced the NCAA to say yea or nay as to his playing status. It forced the NCAA to tell us, “A violation was committed … but the violation wasn’t Auburn’s.” A lot of folks have hooted down this ruling, saying it opens the door for every prospect to find a relative willing to be his talent broker and take the rap if found out, but the NCAA hasn’t yet slammed this particular door.
I say again: Don’t mistake this reinstatement for absolution. The NCAA didn’t say, “Case closed.” Newton and Auburn could still be held accountable for any transgressions that come to light. (And we know already the NCAA has found one violation involving one Newton.) Cam Newton has been cleared to play Saturday, but he and his school are not yet in the clear. Wednesday’s ruling restored his eligibility at this time, which isn’t to say for all time.
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450 comments Add your comment
Mark Bradley
December 2nd, 2010
10:41 am
I would say that SEC loophole needs to be closed, Jeff.
McLagman
December 2nd, 2010
10:42 am
Still holding out hope that AU will forfeit the whole season? It’s laughable. You guys have staked your journalistic reputations on internet blog posts and only this Hail Mary can save you now. Let me be clear: AU is not going to shut down its program, forfeit the season and self-impose the death penalty because one of our enemy rivals posts something on a blog. You all have completely lost your minds. And you fail to even consider the possibility that AU, the SEC and NCAA did the right thing.
AG
December 2nd, 2010
10:42 am
Cam Newton” “The Auburn money (in comparison) was too much.” What else could anyone possible need? Makes me wonder who has something on the NCAA.
jeff
December 2nd, 2010
10:42 am
Jim…maybe you might consider writing a letter to his daddy….he is the one that put his kid in the situation he is in. Our comments fall under the “freedom of speech” part of ourr rights….oh….I guess that doesnt matter either huh? Its all about protecting good old Cammie
collegeballfan
December 2nd, 2010
10:43 am
Never fear Auburn haters. The Evil Genius will take you out of your misery when the Gamecocks take out the Auburn Tigers/War Eagles.
How can anyone support a team that cannot even decide what to call themselves?
This Newton thing has accomplished one thing, virtually 100% of Georgia Bulldog fans will be rooting for Steve Spurrier. I thought I would never live to see the day.
dawg
December 2nd, 2010
10:46 am
MB– If as you say Auburn admits that the Preacher put his son up for sale (must be a movie in this) and AU did not report this, then why are they not implicated ???
Ted M
December 2nd, 2010
10:47 am
My attempt at changing the top failed miserably.
BAMA1444
December 2nd, 2010
10:48 am
MR You are full of crap,I hope there is a lockout in NFL next year.Guarantee you your kissing cousins don’t finish the season healthy.Then justice will be done
Ted M
December 2nd, 2010
10:49 am
oops “topic”
joe
December 2nd, 2010
10:50 am
Mark,
There doesn’t need to be a big article, legalese/confusing language. It is very SIMPLE.
He was shopped around & pay for play. That makes him INELIGIBLE regardless where he ends up.
Jim Pierce
December 2nd, 2010
10:51 am
jeff
December 2nd, 2010
10:40 am
Jimmy….the sec by-laws state “the player is not eligible to play AT ANY SEC school”
14.01.3.3 Recruitment.
If it is determined that a student-athlete has been illegally recruited by a member institution in a manner that violates NCAA Bylaw 13.01.1, the student-athlete’s award shall be ruled permanently invalid, and the student-athlete shall be ineligible for competition in any intercollegiate sport at the institution guilty of the infraction for the remainder of his/her college career. Said student-athlete may then be awarded a scholarship by another Southeastern Conference institution. [Revised 6/3/93]
Jim Pierce
December 2nd, 2010
10:53 am
AG
December 2nd, 2010
10:42 am
Cam Newton” “The Auburn money (in comparison) was too much.” What else could anyone possible need? Makes me wonder who has something on the NCAA
AG: you do realize that this is an ALLEGED statement?? From an MSU booster lol
Chris
December 2nd, 2010
10:54 am
The problem is that any infractions made against Auburn will be long after Cam Newton is gone. Auburn woudl have already cashed in the millions of dollars they made off of the SECCG and the NCG. Retrospcetive punishment doesn’t work. If it did, we could put kids in timeout for things they did years ago and it would make a difference. If Auburn is ever to be punished for wrong doing (if there is any) it needs to be now when it hurts the most.
Ted M
December 2nd, 2010
10:57 am
Okay attempt #2
Will USC players retaliate if Fairely puts his crown of his helmet between Garcia shoulder blades as he stands there without the ball?
Jim Pierce
December 2nd, 2010
10:58 am
Hey Mark: Do you have any knowledge that Cecil admitted to asking for money other than the articles that I have read stating that “According to an unnamed source, Cecil admitted asking for money”?
It may exist, but i can’t find it.
JdawgT
December 2nd, 2010
11:04 am
The sad part is that the underclassmen of Cam will suffer for this. NOT HIM
Ted M
December 2nd, 2010
11:05 am
After a second disappointing stint with the Yankees, Javier Vazquez is returning to the National League. Vazquez has officially signed a one-year contract worth $7MM with the Marlins. He also receives a full no-trade clause, and the team has agreed not to offer the righty arbitration next offseason.
dawg
December 2nd, 2010
11:05 am
I suppose the “Preacher Man” has written his own Ten Commandments…1) Get the money and run, etc.
Ted M
December 2nd, 2010
11:06 am
Let’s hope he doesn’t return to form. The Marlins are going to have a good rotation.
Jim Pierce
December 2nd, 2010
11:10 am
“When he asked for it, it was like ‘Bam!’” Bell said in the report. “He (Rogers) told me this kid’s dad is going to want money and the next day he sent me a text message. He didn’t say anything other than ‘This is what I want and I want it in three installments.’”
Notice that Bell said “this is what I want”.
Then this comment: “He said Cecil Newton never directly asked for money and he has shared some voice messages with the NCAA.”
Dirty Dawg
December 2nd, 2010
11:11 am
Bradley, damn you…you couldn’t tell this story without giving Georgia a jab, could you? I mean to say that Georgia has used a ’smart’ lawyer to get us out of ‘tempest after tempest’, is to infer that anything that he may have represented us about comes even within ‘Cam Newton’s arm’ of the pile of dung that is the Auburn Pay-For-Play program. But then we all know where you’re coming from – we just wish you’d go back there and stay.
One other thing for my Auburn friends…don’t think we don’t understand what you’re up to…and perhaps can even sympathize with you if we’d ever decided to be ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’.. Here’s the deal…once you decide that your best position at this point is to deny, deny, deny, – ‘going all-in’ I think it’s been referred to – then you have to ask yourself, ‘If we were, indeed, innocent…how would be act?’…and this is it. At this point, and the truth will out only if the FBI decides that it will release the ‘evidence’ that it has that reveals what has gone on, you’re relying on being able to ’skate’…and even if it all comes out after the fact, you figure you probably won’t get any harsher punishment than if you admit it now…so, ‘let’s just go for it’. Good luck with that…and Bradley, you just keep on stickin’ it to Georgia, we wouldn’t want you to compromise your standards when it means that the (blog) ‘hits’ just keep on coming.
Vince Dooley
December 2nd, 2010
11:11 am
Let’s talk about the 1980 season.
Vince Dooley
December 2nd, 2010
11:13 am
Have you all seen my flower garden? It’s beautiful.
terrya
December 2nd, 2010
11:18 am
Yeah….gotta hold on to every last dying hope that maybe, somehow, possibly, hopefully, please dear Lord, Cam Newton and Auburn must in some way be nixed. Even when the NCAA finally makes its ruling, the media and the haters harp on the minutia of what might possibly be if we just hope for it enough. Keep dreaming bammers and THUGA’s.
collegedude
December 2nd, 2010
11:21 am
I just find it strange that this initial response comes from the NCAA so quickly. It took the NCAA 2 games I think before they made the eligibility ruling on AJ Green even though they had been investigating for almost 6 months.
I think that this quick ruling was done by the NCAA to keep Auburn at full strength for the SEC Championship game. A loss by Auburn & TCU is likely in the BCS Championship game and that’s something the NCAA wants and NEEDS to avoid happening if they can.
I fully believe that Newton & possibly Auburn as well will be disciplined by the NCAA (even if it’s just forfeits for Auburn) at a “reasonable” time after the championship game.
Coach Johnsons Paul
December 2nd, 2010
11:21 am
IN the words of Flo Rida (and The Rev. Cecil Newton) “Mind on my money on my mind”
Coming to a HS near you…The Big Chiz and The Fabulous Bowling Shirts!!! Hummerzines included!!!
Added Attraction Trooper Taylor and The Terrible Towels!!! Money provided!!!
ALL IN!!!
WAR ILLEAGLE!!!
Coach Johnsons Paul
December 2nd, 2010
11:24 am
WHO THE HECK DOES AUBURN THINK THEY ARE GETTING SPECIAL TREATMENTMENT FROM THE NCAA (AND SEC)….KENTUCKY BASKETBALL????????????????
Jen
December 2nd, 2010
11:25 am
As a UGA grad and HUGE Georgia fan, I am obviously disgusted with this whole SCAM Newton scandal. This just goes to show that it’s all about the money and it’s SO political. Don’t you think if Auburn’s record was like 3 and 9 that Scam and Auburn would have already gotten hammered? It’s because there is a NC on the line with big bucks at stake. The NCAA is gonna take it’s own sweet time to figure this out and guess what’s gonna happen? If Auburn does win the NC, I doubt the NCAA is going to do a damn thing. Of course I don’t like Auburn, but what I don’t like even more is how Scam and Auburn are somehow gonna get away with it. I think we are all looking for justice here (except for AU and their fans). Why isn’t anyone asking the tough questions? What about the statement” The money was too much?” Yes, I still think the NCAA was wrong to suspend A.J. Green for four games, but this is far worse than trying to sell a jersey for $1,000. This whole thing makes me sick. I just want justice. Why wouldn’t every father, mother, uncle, sister, in America try to solicit funds then? The NCAA is a complete joke! Let Auburn have their moment. I am hoping that when the truth finally comes out, the sting will be that much worse for them when everything is stripped! As much as I can’t stand Spurrier, this is one game I am totally pulling for USC! GO GAMECOCKS!
Ted M
December 2nd, 2010
11:29 am
Mark,
I tried to rest control of the masses away from you but your grip was just to tight. My devious coup failed.
Ted M
December 2nd, 2010
11:31 am
So I guess I’ll weigh in.
What is TCU saying about this ruling since they stand to lose the most? Are their fans griping?
Auburn's Limo Driver
December 2nd, 2010
11:34 am
Okay Cecil where do you want these 200,000 clams delivered to?
gdawginkalamazoo
December 2nd, 2010
11:36 am
For those waiting for anything else to come of this forget about it. NCAA ruled him eligible therefore this matter is settled as far as Auburn and Cam Newton is concerned. Time to focus on football, thank God.
Unbelievable
December 2nd, 2010
11:37 am
Boo Hoo. Whiny little babies. Keep whinning and while you are Auburn will go win a national championship. Don’t watch if you don’t like it. Worst losers ever. Bunch of cry babies.
Three Steps Mister
December 2nd, 2010
11:37 am
Au in ATl
There’s nothing to stop someone from trying to set someone up by falsely claiming to represent a player from a rival. That’s called FRAUD, and they will be sent to prison for that.
In this case, Cam Newton’s father ADMITTED that he demanded pay for play. No question about it.
And who would be closer to a representative of the player than his father??
Cam’s defense: I didn’t know. Riiiiiight.
I mean he has such a history of honesty. Uh, yeah.
Cam Newton #2
December 2nd, 2010
11:38 am
“Awww SNAP! I can buy how many blue headbands wit’ dat money?”
sCam Newton #3
December 2nd, 2010
11:41 am
Deddy, Can have $20 ? I met this fat red head and me want to take her on a date to Wendys. It the nicest restaurant is Auburn. Then I taking her to a cow pasture for some…. you know.
the showboating Camburglar
December 2nd, 2010
11:43 am
Daddy……. how did you get that $60,000 automobile from?
Son…… god has blessed me.
OK Daddy. WAR EAGLE!
BreakingNews
December 2nd, 2010
11:43 am
Auburn University – The State of Georgia’s “Backup Plan” School since 1856
Nowhere..
December 2nd, 2010
11:43 am
Nowhere does the NCAA say this is over. Allbarners are reading way to much into the press release.
BreakingNews
December 2nd, 2010
11:44 am
By the way, the main picture up top says it all when it comes to Cam Newton and Nick Fairley
Cam Newton: 3rd string QB for the Bengals in 2011
December 2nd, 2010
11:44 am
me sure is sawwy for ruining them awwbarn tiggers football seasons. i keepin it real in da queen city ya heard son? word up holla ats me.
Auburn Football: 6th place in the SEC West next year
December 2nd, 2010
11:46 am
Without Cam, you are nothing! Back to tossing cow patties for fun I guess.
ALL IN…….
AltamahaDawg
December 2nd, 2010
11:48 am
Michael Smith, in case somebody else didn’t answer your question: Cam Newton is “associated” with the action of his father in the same way that AJ was associated with the actions of the guy that bought his jersey. Did the NCAA have to prove that AJ knew that the guy had previously pimped himslef as an unappointed agent? NO, they determined he has and AJ not knowing that didn’t matter. Extra 2 games. By the book. The same as Dareus didn’t have to explicidly know that he was headed to party paid for by an agent. The second he walked through the door he was “associated” with the action of that agent who was trying to influence the decisions of his guest. suspended. By the book.
Appearantly in Newtons case, the NCAA has decided that the spirit is more important than the letter of the rule. (despite the written rule in this case actually being much more specific and clearly defined than the other ones, IMO). I would also be willing to bet that IF this entire mess had happened before the first game, Cam Newton would served a couple of game suspension to start the season. By the book. I think most fair minded folks would say was plenty unless something further could be proved.
Have to admire the compliance guys at the NCAA that investigate and decide in these kinds of cases. They just guaranteed themselves plenty of job security for years to come.
sCam might have to take a pay cut next year
December 2nd, 2010
11:49 am
Cam Newton = Akili Smith, Quincy Carter, JaMarcus Russell, Tony Banks, Tommie Frazier etc etc etc
Ted Striker
December 2nd, 2010
11:51 am
Is this the quickest the NCAA has ever reinstated a football player? Can anyone recall another player being reinstated so expeditiously?
To the bloggers commenting that the SEC & NCAA are protection their investment here, don’t disagree with you to a degree. However in fairness to the SEC, they had
Some bloggers have commented that the SEC and the NCAA is protecting their investment. In fairness to the SEC, it’s worth pointing out that reinstatement isn’t a conference decision. (Although Mike Slive probably high fived his secretary after the phone call where he learned about it)
atlvol55
December 2nd, 2010
11:53 am
Jim Pierce:
Here is the exact law from the rule book.
SEC Bylaw 14.01.3.2 states:
“If at any time before or after matriculation in a member institution a student-athlete or any member of his/her family receives or agrees to receive, directly or indirectly, any aid or assistance beyond or in addition to that permitted by the Bylaws of this Conference (except such aid or assistance as such student-athlete may receive from those persons on whom the student is naturally or legally dependent for support), such student- athlete shall be ineligible for competition in any intercollegiate sport within the Conference for the remainder of his/her college career.”
HMMM…Jim, doesn’t say anything about “without a player’s knowledge.” Looks like you need to get a clue.
Jim Pierce
December 2nd, 2010
11:54 am
12 months of investigation. FBI, SEC, NCAA, and every hater from every college team in football, and NOTHING found. Just opinions, and allegations.
And yet, you haters continue spewing your opinions as facts. Amazing.
atlvol55
December 2nd, 2010
11:55 am
You also will see that it says even if you AGREE TO RECEIVE…you are still guilty whether or not you actually received payment or not…
I will stand corrected if you show me where it says without a player’s knowledge
atlvol55
December 2nd, 2010
11:56 am
Jim,
The NCAA admitted that Cecil shopped his son around so therefore by SEC’s own laws, Newton is ineligible. That’s the facts.
Jim Pierce
December 2nd, 2010
11:57 am
Atlvol: Here’s the report: “On Wednesday, the NCAA acknowledged that Newton, Auburn’s star quarterback from Westlake High, broke amateurism rules with a pay-for-play scheme perpetrated by his father, Cecil, and a former Mississippi State player. However, the NCAA declared him eligible to play after determining he had no knowledge of the plot.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm